A father has been jailed for murder after shaking his baby son so violently that the injuries were compared to falling three floors onto concrete. Emmerson-Oak Thomas was just 14 weeks old when his father Bradley Thomas, 23, from Redcar, shook him in the early hours of October 5 last year. The infant died three days later in hospital.
Court Proceedings
Thomas was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court and will be sentenced on July 15. During the trial, Thomas's partner testified that he had always been gentle with their son and that their relationship was 'near perfect'. She said she visits Thomas in prison and they remain a couple.
She told the court that at 5.30 am that morning, she heard 'terror' in Thomas's voice. Emmerson was limp and pale, and Thomas had recorded a video of his 'raspy breathing'. She began CPR and called for an ambulance, but the baby was unconscious by the time paramedics arrived.
Medical Evidence
Experts testified that Emmerson's injuries were 'non accidental'. One medic stated that the injuries were similar to falling out of a third-floor window onto concrete. It was impossible for the baby to suffer brain bleeding from falling off his dad's lap onto a carpet, as Thomas claimed.
In addition to brain bleeding, Emmerson had bleeding on his spinal cord and the back of both eyes. Pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton said the injuries were caused by his head being 'vigorously moved backwards and forwards'. A specialist in paediatric ophthalmic pathology found the eye bleeding 'severe and very characteristic of abusive head trauma'.
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutor Toby Hedworth told the jury that Thomas 'lost self control and became angry' when Emmerson wouldn't take his bottle that night. Thomas denied ever shaking his son. It was agreed that Thomas was alone with Emmerson downstairs while his partner slept upstairs. Police found cannabis in the home, and Thomas admitted smoking one joint in the evenings.
Judge Clive Sheldon thanked the jury for their care and consideration in dealing with difficult evidence. Thomas, now of Grasmere Road, Redcar, was remanded into custody until sentencing on July 15.
Police Statement
Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny of Cleveland Police said: 'Emmerson-Oak was an innocent three-month-old child whose life was cruelly and senselessly taken. I am pleased that today we have secured justice on his behalf. This has been an exceptionally complex and deeply distressing investigation. While no outcome can ever undo the harm caused, today's verdict ensures that Bradley Thomas is rightly held accountable.'
